President Bola Tinubu established the Forest Guard outfit to fight insecurity and illegal activities in forests. In Kwara State, officials promised a merit based process. They prioritized applicants with vigilante experience.
The state recruited thousands of guards. For instance, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq approved 2,600 new hires in October 2025. Training occurred at Hajj Camp in Ilorin. The first batch finished three weeks ago.
Additionally, the government deployed 1,000 guards in December 2025. They aimed to combat terrorists and kidnappers. Governor AbdulRazaq called it a game changer for security.
Applicants Raise Serious Accusations
Shortlisted applicants now accuse the Kwara government of unfair practices. They claim officials removed their names from lists. Instead, APC loyalists replaced them.
These replacements lack security experience. Applicants say the new hires skipped the formal process. One applicant stated that selections favored those with party connections. Furthermore, affected individuals left jobs and families for this opportunity. They feel betrayed by the shift from merit to politics.
Potential Risks to Security Efforts
Applicants warn that this politicization weakens the initiative. Inexperienced guards cannot handle forest threats effectively.
As a result, rural communities face greater danger. Vigilantes know local terrains and criminal routes. Replacing them risks lives. Moreover, dozens of applicants suffer from this issue. They urge a return to competence-based selection.
Government’s Lack of Response
The Kwara government remains silent on these claims. Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye did not reply to inquiries. However, earlier statements praised the program. Governor AbdulRazaq urged guards to deepen security efforts.
Broader Implications for Kwara
This scandal highlights recruitment challenges in Nigeria. Politicization often undermines public initiatives. Moreover trust in government erodes. Applicants demand transparency to restore faith. As insecurity persists, effective solutions matter more than ever.
